Majora’s Mask 3D is a remake of a Nintendo 64 game released fifteen years ago, and many Zelda fans who played the original are curious to see what has changed. We already know that it’s got updated graphics and that changes have been made to the save system. IGN got their hands on a preview of the game and released a video that highlights three big changes in the 3DS version. Note that this video may contain spoilers for some people, so continue at your own risk!

The video briefly shows that the ocarina songs are now available on the touch screen, while the narrator states that “the added touch screen functions are a big deal” but doesn’t go into any more detail than that. We can also see that the Masks sub screen is also available on the touch screen, making it easy to switch between them.

As we all expect, the game’s visuals are a lot better than the Nintendo 64 version. The character models are similar to those from Ocarina of Time 3D, and Link’s mask transformation forms look amazing. Deku Link’s skin actually looks like wood, something that wasn’t conveyed so well in the original. Along with updated character models the 3DS remake has longer draw distances, making environments such as Clock Town more vibrant and detailed. IGN states that with the graphics overhaul, Majora’s Mask 3D has the same look and polish of a brand new 3DS game. The gameplay also feels smoother than the Nintendo 64 version. While I personally don’t remember having any problems with the original game, apparently the action is more precise and tight.

Some of the game’s features have been reworked. The Song of Double Time would previously jump time forward to the following night or morning, depending on when the song was played. In the 3DS version, it can be used to jump to any hour of the day on which it is played. This will make it easier to follow people around and complete side quests. On the subject of side quests, the Bombers’ Notebook has also been reworked with some new features that make it easier to keep track of tasks. It looks and feels much more like a planner, and you can even set alarms using the touch screen.

All of these changes sound like great improvements to me and have me even more excited about the game than I already was. I can’t wait to see what else may have changed!